Category Archives: LETTERS

OBLATE RETREAT MINISTRY DOES SO MUCH GOOD

The ministry which the Oblates do today in retreat houses and pilgrimage shrines has its origins in the earliest days of the Congregation. Our first house outside of Aix, Notre Dame du Laus, was a place of pilgrimage where the … Continue reading

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I HAD FALLEN ON THE MOST SCRUPULOUS PRIEST IN CHRISTENDOM

Having spent over three days making a copy the 200 pages of the Rule himself, Eugene now had to submit his copy to an official for verification. He arrived with his two large manuscripts at the Vatican office where this … Continue reading

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I WAS IN IT FROM HEAD TO TOE

Much work still faced Eugene before the final brief of the approval of the Oblates could be issued by the Pope. Today’s technology would have assured its completion within a couple of days. In Eugene’s time everything had to be … Continue reading

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THE APPROBATION OF THE OBLATES: GRATITUDE THAT THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD

Now that Eugene knew that the approbation was being granted, he began to look forward to finishing the remainder of the work connected with this, and to return home to his community. As he reflects on the events, we can … Continue reading

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THE APPROBATION OF THE OBLATES: KNOW YOUR DIGNITY IN THE CHURCH

 Somewhat puny as we are, being weak and few in number, we nonetheless have an existence in the Church no less than that of the most celebrated congregations, the most holy societies. It is thus we are constituted. As small … Continue reading

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THE APPROBATION OF THE OBLATES: THE GUARANTEE THAT OUR RULE OF LIFE IS GOD’S WILL FOR US

Now that the Church had approved our existence and our Constitutions and Rules, they no longer belong to us, but to the Church who commissions us to live our lives in accordance with them. Eugene was now able to make … Continue reading

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THE APPROBATION OF THE OBLATES: A NEW UNDERSTANDING OF OUR RULE OF LIFE

Responding to the good news of the papal approbation, Eugene reflected with all the Oblates in France on the significance of this event. The conclusion to be drawn from this, my dear friends and good brothers, is: we must work, … Continue reading

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THE APPROBATION OF THE OBLATES: PROOF OF THE GENEROSITY OF GOD ON OUR BEHALF

But let us leave these reflections aside so as to stop and consider only the infinite goodness of God and the designs of his Providence on our behalf. From the beginning, the odds were against a favorable response to Eugene’s … Continue reading

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THE APPROBATION OF THE OBLATES: OUR ORIGIN IS FROM GOD

As Eugene shares the good news of our approbation with the Oblates, he reflects on the meaning of this event. The Pope recognized the work of God, a charism of the Holy Spirit, in bringing the Oblates into existence. Everyone … Continue reading

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THE APPROBATION OF THE OBLATES: GOD, WE PRAISE YOU! WE WILL PRAISE YOUR NAME FOR EVER!

At last the long awaited decision of the Pope has arrived! As I left Saint Andrew’s, I went into the Quirinal palace where Archbishop Marchetti gave me that good news that last night the Pope had approved and confirmed the … Continue reading

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